The day Pope Francis officiated a group wedding at the Vatican

In the majestic Basilica of St. Peter, the whiteness of gowns and veils shone bright as 20 brides and grooms stood before Pope Francis. It was the 15th of September 2014, and the couples from the Diocese of Rome were especially blessed as they had the chance to be united by the Santo Papa in holy matrimony.

Browse through the gallery below to see some of the most heartwarming scenes from this momentous occasion.

As it always happens during weddings, there were emotional fathers accompanying their daughters to the altar, tearfully giving them away to their future sons-in-law.

The pews of the couples were arranged in a semi-circle, all getting a clear view of Pope Francis.

In a passage from his homily, Pope Francis mentioned situations like failed marriage. He clearly emphasized the strength of the merciful love of Jesus, and compared the life of a family to a journey (the journey of the people of Moses in the desert, as told in the Book of Numbers).

After the homily, it was time to ask the question included in the wedding rite. The spouses, called one by one by the Pope, answered with “I do,” then expressed their consent, looking into each other’s eyes.

As the couples slipped a ring into each other's rings finger, Pope Francis reiterated that no man can separate what God has put together.

The Pope reminded the couples that love finds assurance in the Cross: "I wish you to have a great journey, a fruitful journey. I wish you happiness. There will be crosses but the Lord is there to drive you forward.”

At the end of the Mass, after bidding the Pope goodbye in the sacristy, the newlyweds went to the Vatican Gardens and to other spots within Vatican City to be photographed.